CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1926, Page 1

CRICKET.

fAustralia, A N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, May 11. The cricket tour will be carried out in its entirety. There is no reason for the' suggestion that it will be cancelled because of the strike, and in fulfilment of the desire of the Marylcbono Club, as well as of the Counties, tlie Austral tons are proceeding according to schedule. The members of the team are weary, owing to cold weather, which is interfering with the attendances more than the strike. The Australians are ready to meet Cambridge. 'Though tit present a majority of Cambridge students are working at the docks or elsewhere, this is the only engagement likely to be interfered with. All teams are experiencing difficulties regarding travel, and expenses are increased owing to the necessity of engaging motor cars. An hour after the close of the Surrey match, the Australians left for Southampton pej; car, at a cost of eighty pounds sterling, which is three times greater than by rail. The weather land the absence of publicity in the newspapers 'are affecting the crowds, which are expected to be a record when conditions are normal. At present, however, takings more than covered expenses. TEST WICKETS. NOTTINGHAM, April 6. Although the first Test match between England Australia will not be-o-in till Juno 12. the 'exact spot on which the wickets will be pitched at Trent Bridge lips already been selected and is being nursed with as much assiduity as a new-born baby. A strip of ground six yards wide, slightly to the east of the members’ pavilion, on eaxctly the same site as that of the last Test wicket here, has been well marked and rolled and is sprayed at frequent intervals with liquid manure. No county match, will bo played on it- before hand, and even the wicket for the Whitsuntide Notts v. Surrey match, which is nlso being got ready, has been moved some little distance so as to avoid injuring the Test match pitch. j . Walter Marshall, the Notts senior groundsman, who has had charge o tlie Trent Bridge ground for 3o yenrs, said to-day: “As you can see for yourself, the wicket will be up to the best Trent Bridge traditions.” Although it was Easter Monday a small ariiiy of workmen were busily engaged on the erection of the r.ew stonds. , PREPARATIONS AT LORD S. With the Test match at Lord’s only

twelve weeks oil', workmen who have been engaged in rebuilding the grand stand and erecting new cantilever stands at the nursery end of the ground since the end of October are still in possession.

Tlie roof of the grand stand is not yet completed, lend much work lias to be done in other directions. Night an l day gangs, however, have continued work during the holidays without interruption. When complete the new stand v. ill provide additional accommodation for 3,000 people, and will cost nearly £50,000. Tlie ground, it was stated yesterday, has never been iu better condition, and during the week-end was given its first preparation of the season.